Criminal Defense Attorney

About the Company

The Nieves Law Firm, an established criminal defense law firm with deep roots in the Bay Area, seeks a criminal defense attorney (we are open to entry level) for its misdemeanor and post-conviction relief practice. Our team is dedicated to providing the best possible advocacy in criminal cases, no matter where our clients are in the Bay Area. Our founding partner has a reputation for excellence and has been recognized by SuperLawyers® multiple times for her advocacy. Our lawyers are seasoned trial attorneys, former prosecutors and public defenders, frequent lecturers, leaders in local bar associations, and have been recognized as Super Lawyers®, Rising Stars®, and even as a “Distinguished Lawyer of the Year.”

We are passionate about what we do and looking for someone with a demonstrated interest in criminal defense and relevant legal experience (internships included) who will thrive with our team of dedicated, high energy, attorneys dedicated to providing aggressive advocacy. To learn more about our accomplished attorneys and their work - please visit our website or our YouTube page here. See the impact of our work in our client’s words here. If you’d like to see the list of awards we’ve received that demonstrate our commitment to providing high-quality, distinguished services to the community and our numerous clients, please look here.

About the Role: Support a misdemeanor, restraining order, and post-conviction relief caseload.

Job Description:

• Carry a misdemeanor and post-conviction relief caseload of approximately 40-60 cases.
• Represent clients during arraignment, settlement conferences, and hearings.
• Make routine appearances in Alameda County, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, Solano, Sacramento and other greater Bay Area counties as needed
• Research and draft pre-trial and trial motions, subpoenas, records requests, etc.
• Perform case and trial preparation tasks including legal research, motion writing, discovery and evidence review, developing defense investigation plans, identifying and working with experts, and consulting and advising clients, etc.
• Work with partners, associates, paralegals, experts, and investigators to ensure quality representation for clients.

Qualifications:

• Must be a California-licensed lawyer
• Preferably have 2 years experience in the area of criminal defense (internships included)
• Excellent writing skills
• Capable of working independently after an adequate ramp-up period
• Must be willing to work onsite from our Oakland office - we feel it is the best way for you to collaborate with other attorneys and support staff.

Benefits (dependent on eligibility and completion of applicable probationary periods):

• Unlimited paid vacation after 1 year employment
• Paid holidays
• Paid sick time
• 401K Retirement Plan Options and Matching
• Kaiser health insurance plan
• Dental insurance
• $50,000 life insurance policy
• CARES ACT Student Loan repayment for eligible employees up to $5,250 through December 31, 2025
• Payment of annual CA Bar dues
• Admission to Federal Jurisdictions (as needed)
• Payment of Alameda County Bar Association Dues
• Malpractice Insurance
• CLE and other external training fees, associated lodging and travel costs

Location: In order to successfully collaborate, we are asking that applicants be prepared to work full time, onsite in our Oakland office as this is where our attorneys and support staff currently work onsite. We are absolutely flexible about this requirement when it comes to making court appearances in other Bay Area counties.

Pay: $85,000 - $135,000 bonuses based on new business you bring into the firm

Where you fall within this range is dependent on experience, seniority, and demonstrated role ability during the interview process.

Please submit a cover letter and a resume for consideration - apply here on LinkedIn. We are looking for someone to start as soon as possible, but can be flexible!